Jain Digest 1994 06 Special Issue

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 27

RAJIV GANDHI'S STATEMENT ON
ACHARYA SUSHIL
KUMARJI'S PEACE CALL "Muni Sushil kumar has been active in Punjab for some time, seeking a nonviolent solution to the problems there within the framework of the Indian Constituition. We welcome his recent statement. We have always sought to create an atmosphere conducive to a constructive dialogue based on a spirit of real understanding."
In order to focus attention on the five-point programme, I have had a series of consultations with leaders in many walks of life, leaders of religion, industrialists and commercial leaders, common people with small means but big hearts, academicians and elected members of legislatures cutting across party and regional affiliations. I am glad to report to you that the response has been extremely positive and encouraging. I am grateful to all of them, on behalf of my brothers and sisters of Punjab. To further consolidate the follow-up programme on the "Listening Tour of Punjab”, with the support of like-minded brothers and sisters who have faith in non-violence, truth, tolerance and humanity, we have organised a meeting of leaders of all religions in New Delhi on May 11 where we shall further consider the steps to mobilise multi-religious initiatives for Punjab on the basis of the five-point programme. We have also scheduled a "Sarbat Sant Samagam"at Ludhiana on May 25 to launch the five-point programme as the "Ahimsa Yagna" or the sacred sacrifice of non-violence. For that I have given a "Punjab Chalo" call to all those who would like to participate in this sacred duty. It does not mean that everyone from all parts of the county should simply flood Punjab. I want their hearts and minds to be there in the fivepoint programme. Gandhi ji brought freedom to this country through Ahimsa and Satyagraha in the face of the military and police might of the British Empire. I have full faith that Ahimsa and Satyagraha can bring peace and glory to Punjab. Neta Ji Subhash Chandra Bose had given the call of “Delhi Chalo" to free the country from foreign domination, our call for :Punjab Chalo" is to bring freedom from new enemies of the country like terrorism, extremism, violence and destablisation. I have full faith that the non-violent are the great majority of this country and also of Punjab. It is time for the great majority to assert itself against small and misguided violent minorities wherever they exist in this country whether it is Punjab, Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Assam, Bengal, Tamil Nadu or Kerala. When I say "Punjab Chalo", I mean "Ahimsa Ki Rah Par Chal" or follow the path of nonviolence and truth, the only path of the brave, the courageous and men and women who believe in the sanctity and dignity of all forms of life. I shall be grateful for any support from you, my dear friends in the media, in this cause which I think is a sacred duty for all Indians.
..
.
The Sarbat Sant Samagam at Ludhiana, Punjab.
Jain Digest
June 1994
Page 25
Jain Education Interational 2010_02